Carlton's nightmare season finally saw them rubbed out of finals contention, but Melbourne's charge towards the six continued. By now they had well and truly recovered from the mid-season slump which put them on the back foot and with Allen Jakovich once again brilliant with seven goals they climbed back to within sight of the top six.

Five of Jakovich's goals came in the first half on David Kernahan before he was matched up on Michael Sexton who did better in holding him to two after the break, but his first half goals were enough to lay the platform for Melbourne's win.

In blustery conditions the Demons led at every change, but the Blues struck back in the last quarter to make it interesting. A Stephen Kernahan goal at the 22 minute mark of the last term cut the margin to just six points before Jakovich and Bennett both goalled to put the result beyond doubt.

Best were J. Stynes, Jakovich and Stretch. Garry Lyon was reported for striking Brett Ratten with a fist to the head during the third quarter, but when the umpire attempted to downgrade the charge the tribunal withdrew it.